Premiers talk Arctic policy as Canadians continue diplomatic push in Washington

WASHINGTON — Territorial premiers say it is a critical time for the Arctic as they meet with representatives from Greenland in Washington where Canadian leaders continue their diplomatic push against threatened U.S. tariffs.

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok spoke at the Wilson Center Thursday morning about prospects for collaboration between Canada and the United States on resource development and security.

It’s become increasingly clear from President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about the United States somehow absorbing Canada and Greenland that the president has an eye on Arctic resources.

Simpson says the world is looking at opportunities in the Arctic around critical minerals and security, but it’s the people of the north who assert Canada’s sovereignty.

All 13 of Canada’s premiers were in the United States capital this week, days after the president signed executive orders to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, including Canadian products, starting March 12.

The latest levy came during a one-month delay on Trump’s previous tariff threat of 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press